OpenAI Engineer Saudi Espionage Case
A former OpenAI engineer earning $385k/year stands accused of bugging an executive conference room and allegedly received 'considerable support' from the Saudi government, exchanging frequent WhatsApp messages with a Saudi royal.
What we know
@FT reports the 35-year-old Saudi national had a $385k salary plus $2.2M equity at OpenAI and exchanged 'frequent' WhatsApp messages with an unnamed Saudi royal family member in 2025–2026. An account on X jokes the 'considerable support' included a copy of 'How To Install Listening Devices Conspicuously.' US prosecutors are arguing the support suggests state-level backing for corporate espionage.
How the story developed
A former OpenAI engineer earning $385k/year stands accused of bugging an executive conference room and allegedly received 'considerable support' from the Saudi government, exchanging frequent WhatsApp messages with a Saudi royal.
Court filings reveal that the ex-OpenAI employee accused of planting a recording device in an executive conference room received 'considerable support' from the Saudi government, including a Saudi military member booking a one-way flight for the suspect's wife and son.
Sources
“35-year-old Saudi national exchanged 'frequent' WhatsApp messages with unnamed Saudi royal family member”
View post →By the Global Eye 24 desk, with AI assistance. Updated as the story develops. Spot an error? Write to corrections@globaleye24.com.